Further flooding and severe weather highly likely

Published:14:34Saturday 05 December 2015

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Scottish Borders Council (SBC) and partners are advising residents that there is a high likelihood of further significant flooding across the Borders as river levels continue to rise and further heavy rain is forecast.

The forecast

A further 60-70mm of rain is expected throughout this evening and specifically until 6am tomorrow morning. A further 20-40mm of rain is expected on Monday. As a result, we may see river levels higher than experienced in 2005There are currently 20 warnings in place for Borders, and the amber weather warning is still in place. In addition, an amber warning for wind has also now been issued for 1400 today till 0200 tomorrow morning.

Information from SEPA indicates that areas of immediate concern are Hawick, Newcastleton, Sprouston and Coldstream. In Peebles, the situation is being monitored and the river level is likely to peak at approx 9pm.

Hawick update

Police Scotland led the first phase of the evacuation in Hawick last night, and the second stage of the evacuation is about to commence shortly as the river Teviot is to peak yet again at 4pm this afternoon. This involves those who live in Duke Street, Teviot Crescent, Buccleuch Street, Sandbed and the Haugh.

A number of those who were evacuated overnight have now been relocated from the rest centre to stay with family/friends but an overnight plan for those remaining within the rest centre is being developed.

Hawick residents are being told to move their vehicles to higher ground in light of the forecast and rising river levels

Sandbag supplies

The sandbag supply is decreasing rapidly across the Borders as residents protect their homes/businesses. Until such times as replenishment of the sandbag stock can be made – we have put in a level of control to ensure the sandbags are being used appropriately. We are in the process of acquiring additional supplies from outwith the area.

Advice

Members of the public are being advised to avoid travelling unless absolutely necessary.

Members of the public are asked to identify family members or neighbours who may need an extra helping hand during this time and have their phone numbers to hand.

Multi-agency response team

The Council’s emergency planning bunker continues to operate with multi-agency team, including the emergency services, in place to co-ordinate the response.

Jim Fraser, SBC’s Emergency Planning Officer, said: “The particular concern at the moment is the forecast of further very heavy, persistent rain on top of what we’ve already had. Obviously river levels are already reaching very high levels and this has caused some disruption.

“We are strongly urging people to follow the updates we and our partners are issuing and adhere to the advice being given.”

Keeping up to date

You can listen to local radio and check Scottish Borders Council’s website www.scotborders.gov.uk and social media (Facebook – www.facebook.com/sbcouncil and Twitter - www.twitter.com/scotborders) for updates throughout the weekend.

You can keep up to date with the forecast at www.metoffice.gov.uk and flood warnings at www.flood.sepa.org.uk

SEPA is encouraging people to sign up to receive free flood messages direct to their phone via our website or by calling Flood line on 0345 988 1188. The latest SEPA statement is here http://media.sepa.org.uk/statements/2015/flooding-outlook-5-december/

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